Unit 1: Themes of the Old Testament

Lesson 2: The Author/The Characters

1 Who is the Author?

God. Every word in the Bible exists

because God inspired a given individual to

write it down.

God Is The Source Of Scripture

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to

us and to our children forever, that we may follow

all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of humans, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).

The Holy Spirit is the Divine author of Scripture.

Scripture claims that Jesus Christ is the ACTUAL WORD of God!

John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD WAS WITH GOD, and the WORD WAS GOD. He was with God in the beginning.

2 Who are the Characters?

God. Jesus. Holy Spirit.

The OT points to Jesus; the NT reveals Jesus.

Major Characters:God, Jesus & HSAdam & EveSatanCain & AbelSethEnochNoah & his sons Abe & Sarah Isaac & RebeccaJacob & Rachel

JudahJosephMoses & AaronJoshua & Caleb Gideon & Samson Samuel Ruth Saul & JonathanSamuelDavid

SolomonElijah & ElishaEzra & NehemiahEstherJobIsaiah & JeremiahDaniel

Importance of Names

In the Old Testament, names were significant. People believed that a name explained something about your identity, personality, character, and background.

Two Names for God

1.

2.

Elohim: Powerful CREATOR.

Yahweh: EXISTING ONE; God’s covenant name.

Practice your HEBREW!

http://blb.sc/0005Ey Elohim

http://blb.sc/0001Rn Yahweh

With a partner, read “Two Names for God” in the Student Text p. 3-4

Elohim: ruler, creative power, sovereignty and might. Genesis 1:1

Elohim

• Plural of “El”, which is the name most used

Yahweh:

Self-existent One; God’s personal name; denotes his personal eternality Genesis 2:4

Workbook, p. 3

• More Names for God…• El Elyon-God Most High• El Shaddai-God Almighty• El Olam-Eternal God• El Elohe Israel- God, the God of Israel• El Hai-Living God• Yahweh Jireh- The Lord will Provide• Yahweh Nissi- The Lord is my Banner• Yahweh Shalom- The Lord is peace.• Yahweh Sabaoth- The Lord Almighty• Yahweh Ro’l- The Lord is my shepherd• Yahweh Tsidkenu-The Lord is our righteousness• Yahweh Shammah- The Lord is there.

BIG IDEA: God reveals his name to his people…

• Demonstrating his desire to be in a relationship with us.

• His name tells us who is, what he does, and describes his essence.

• The Bible also reveals God’s attributes with titles like King, shepherd, Father, Almighty, and hundreds of others.

What’s in a Name?

Read p. 5-6 in student textbook

• In Bible times, a good name meant even more than a good reputation, because it represented a person’s character, identity, personality, and background.

• In Hebrew, some names can even be identical to the name itself. Ex: Obadiah=servant of Yahweh

Power point “Names” assignment:1) Pick three names/titles of God and find where this name is

located in Scripture. A) What does this name/title tell you about God? B) Why did you pick this name?

2) Pick 5 of the main characters of the OT: A) Describe each character and h/h significance in the narrative B) What does h/h name mean? C) Where is this person listed in scripture?

3) Research the meaning of your name; explain how it affects your identity, personality, character, or background.

4) Use this resource for additional help: www.blueletterbible.org

5) As each person presents, write down the meaning of the characters’ names; you will be tested on the meaning of ALL the major character’s names at the end of our unit.

Names from OT to Research…

• Israel• Joshua• Jacob• Joseph• Elijah• Benjamin• Nehemiah• Judah• Elisha

• Abraham• Adam• Moses• Daniel• Eve• Esau• Sarah• Isaac• Solomon• Samuel• Esther

Power point “Names” assignment:

1) As you watch the presentations, make a list of the names of characters and the names/titles for God. You will memorize these meanings.

Student Workbook…p. 4 & 5

Fill out crossword based on notes from presentations! This will be a great study guide!